He was born on November 27th, 1922 in Sycamore, IL to George Martin Swanberg and Inez Bowen Swanberg. He attended local schools and Northern Illinois University where he studied drafting.
He entered the Army Air Corps in 1943 and served as a radar navigator in B-29s in the Pacific theater. On one particular mission on June 1, 1945, he survived an aircraft malfunction over Japan and subsequent bail-out over the Pacific. His awards include the Distinguished Flying Cross, The Purple Heart and Air Medal plus various campaign medals.
He married the former Alice Hinkle of Middletown, OH, in 1946 and was discharged from service in 1948. He settled in Fort Worth, TX and opened the first automatic car wash in the area. He expanded his interest in the car wash business over the years. He was a member of All Saints Episcopal Church where he served as an usher and a member of the finance committee. He was an active supporter of the Boy Scouts and was selected for membership in The Order of The Arrow.
He and his family moved to Dallas, TX in 1965 where he continued his interest in the automatic car wash industry. The family joined St John’s Episcopal Church. He also served on the East Dallas Chamber of Commerce and the Transportation Committee.
He was an active member of the Kiwanis Club for 49 years. He served as President of the White Rock Kiwanis Club, Governor of the Texas-Oklahoma District and ultimately as President, Kiwanis International for 1993-1994.
He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Alice, his son Geoffrey and daughter-in-law Adrienne, his grandchildren, Allison Melissa and Audra Michelle.
He was admired for his wit, friendliness, integrity and concern for others; he will be missed.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 1st at 1:00 PM, at
St. John’s Episcopal Church
848 Harter Road
Dallas, TX 75218
With Committal at St. John’s Episcopal Church Columbarium following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made, if desired, to
White Rock Kiwanis Club Foundation
c/o Roberta Flynn
1138 High Mesa Dr
Garland, TX 75041,
Or to
Kiwanis International Foundation
3636 Woodview Trace
Indianapolis, IN 46268,
Or to the charity of your choice.
Arrangements entrusted to Sparkman/Crane Funeral Home
10501 Garland Road, Dallas, Texas 75218
214-327-8291
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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